Locked Out? 5 Things You Should Never Do (And What to Do Instead)
Being locked out is stressful, but some DIY solutions can make things worse—costing you hundreds or thousands in damage. Learn what NOT to do and why calling a professional locksmith is always the safest choice.
We've all been there—you close the door, hear the click, and suddenly realize your keys are inside. Panic sets in. You start thinking about all the DIY tricks you've seen on YouTube or heard from friends. Stop right there! Before you try anything that could damage your property or injure yourself, read this guide on the 5 most dangerous lockout "solutions" and what to do instead.
Why DIY Lockout Methods Are Risky
Professional locksmiths spend years learning how to open locks without damage. What looks simple in a 30-second video often requires specialized tools, specific techniques, and experience recognizing when to stop before causing damage. The average DIY lockout attempt that goes wrong costs $300-2,000 in repairs—far more than the $75-150 a locksmith charges.
Remember: A professional locksmith can open almost any lock without damage in 5-15 minutes. Save yourself the time, stress, and potential damage.
1. Never Try to Pick the Lock Yourself
❌ Why It's Dangerous:
- • Broken pins: Improper lock picking breaks internal pins, requiring complete lock replacement ($100-250)
- • Jammed cylinders: Foreign objects wedged in locks are expensive to extract
- • Wasted time: Lock picking takes professionals 1-5 minutes but amateurs hours without success
- • Damage to key slot: Scratches and deformation make future keys not work properly
- • Voided warranties: Attempted lock picking voids most lock warranties
✓ Do This Instead: Call a professional locksmith. We have specialized picks, tension tools, and years of practice. We can open your lock without damage in minutes and it costs less than replacing a broken lock.
2. Never Break a Window to Get Inside
❌ Why It's Dangerous:
- • Injury risk: Broken glass causes severe cuts—ER visits cost $500-5,000
- • Expensive replacement: Windows cost $200-1,000+ to replace professionally
- • Security vulnerability: Broken windows leave your home exposed until repaired
- • Weather damage: Rain, wind, and temperature changes can damage interiors
- • Insurance complications: Self-inflicted damage may not be covered
✓ Do This Instead: A locksmith costs $75-150 for emergency service—far less than window replacement. We arrive in 15-30 minutes and get you inside safely without property damage.
3. Never Use Credit Cards or Coat Hangers
❌ Why It's Dangerous:
- • Damaged door frames: Prying damages wood and paint ($200-500 to repair)
- • Broken credit cards: Cards snap and pieces get stuck in door mechanisms
- • Bent coat hangers: Metal scratches car windows and door weatherstripping ($150-400 damage)
- • Doesn't work on modern locks: Most locks since 2000 have anti-slip features that render this method useless
- • Legal issues: These techniques look like breaking and entering to neighbors who may call police
✓ Do This Instead: Professional locksmiths use proper tools designed for each lock type. We open doors and cars quickly without scratches, dents, or frame damage. It's faster, safer, and actually cheaper when you factor in repair costs.
4. Never Try to Remove the Door Handle or Lock
❌ Why It's Dangerous:
- • Stripped screws: Using wrong tools strips screw heads, making removal impossible without drilling ($50-150)
- • Broken internal mechanisms: Forcing parts damages springs and latches requiring full lock replacement ($100-300)
- • Door damage: Improper removal gouges and splinters door wood ($200-500 repairs)
- • Can't reinstall properly: Even if you get inside, reassembly without experience leaves your home insecure
- • Wrong tools: Most people don't have the correct screwdrivers and hex keys needed
✓ Do This Instead: Locksmiths have extraction tools and know exactly how each lock model disassembles. If lock removal is necessary, we do it properly and can even install a new lock on the spot if needed.
5. Never Kick, Ram, or Force the Door Open
❌ Why It's Dangerous:
- • Injury: Broken ankles, sprained wrists, shoulder injuries requiring medical treatment ($1,000-10,000)
- • Door replacement: Broken doors cost $500-3,000 to replace including frame, hardware, and labor
- • Frame damage: Structural frame damage requires carpenter repairs ($400-1,500)
- • Lock damage: Impact breaks lock mechanisms requiring replacement ($100-250)
- • Drywall damage: Doors swinging too hard crack surrounding walls ($200-800 repairs)
- • Ineffective: Modern deadbolts and security doors resist kicking—you'll hurt yourself before breaking in
✓ Do This Instead: A locksmith's emergency callout fee ($75-150) is far less than door replacement. We arrive quickly, open your door properly, and you avoid injury and property damage entirely.
What You SHOULD Do When Locked Out
✓ The Right Lockout Response:
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1Stay Calm
Take a breath. This is a common problem with a simple solution. Panic leads to poor decisions.
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2Check for Spare Keys
Do you have a spare with a neighbor, family member, or hidden somewhere secure (not under the mat—everyone knows that spot)?
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3Call a Professional Locksmith
24/7 emergency locksmiths arrive in 15-30 minutes, open your lock without damage, and charge $75-150. It's fast, safe, and actually the cheapest option when you consider potential damage costs.
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4Wait in a Safe, Comfortable Place
Go to a nearby coffee shop, neighbor's house, or stay in your car while the locksmith is on the way. Don't stand outside in extreme weather.
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5Get Spare Keys Made
Once you're back inside, immediately get 2-3 spare keys made. Give one to a trusted neighbor or family member, keep one in your wallet, and hide one in a lockbox (not under the mat!).
The Real Cost Comparison
| Method | Immediate Cost | Potential Damage | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Locksmith | $75-150 | $0 (no damage) | $75-150 |
| Break Window | $0 | $200-1,000+ | $200-1,000+ |
| Kick Door In | $0 | $500-3,000+ | $500-3,000+ |
| DIY Lock Picking | $0 | $100-250 (broken lock) | $100-250 |
| Remove Lock Yourself | $0 | $150-450 | $150-450 |
💰 Professional Locksmith = Cheapest Option
When you factor in damage costs, a locksmith is always the most affordable choice!
Locked Out in Albuquerque? We're Here 24/7
Don't risk injury or property damage trying DIY lockout methods. Our emergency locksmiths arrive in 15-30 minutes anywhere in Albuquerque, open your door without damage, and charge fair, transparent pricing. We're available 24/7/365 including holidays. Save our number now—you never know when you'll need it!
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